Friday, August 29, 2008

History Being Made on Both Fronts

John McCain chose Sarah Palin, the year and a half Governor of Alaska, as his vice-presidential running mate. Lots of political pundits are trying to interpret the purpose and strategy behind John McCain's choice.

Well, most of the pundits are stating the obvious. He is trying to win the women who may be disgruntled with Hillary Rodham Clinton's loss. As a woman, I feel the need to comment on his choice. I am going to be all over the place, but that is how my brain is reacting to this choice.

I am thrilled that another woman is at the front of a major political party. I look forward to even more women making the scene in our political parties. That being said...McCain is either completely delusional or 100% out of touch...I am going with out of touch on this issue and so many more. He can't possibly believe that simply choosing a female running mate will bring women to vote for him.

If that is his motivation, it is insulting to women. Women care about issues more than just gender. I don't care if she is a mom, a wife, a worker, a woman. She stands on the opposite end of every issue that I care about.

She is enthusiastic. I like that. However, I fear that pundits and media will be hard on Joe Biden because he will smoke her on every issue and they will play the gender card.

Along with this, I think it is irresponsible to choose ANYONE who has had a year and a half in executive government to be second in line of a 72 year old President who has battled cancer four times.

Lastly, I don't want to see any pundits, politicians, and journalists going easy on this hockey mom who looks like she could be your next door neighbor, your right-wing-gun-lovin'-hatin' on gays and choice neighbor. We all know that no one should be given a pass because she is a novice in the game. No one has taken it easy on Hillary Clinton. The pundits are saying that if Palin simply gets through her debate with Joe Biden, she will win.

THAT IS NOT RIGHT. She should have to stand, defend, and explain with depth and passion to win a debate. Just because she is inexperienced in comparison to Biden, doesn't mean she should get a pass. As a woman, I want all women treated as equals and that includes in politics.

6 comments:

Aaron said...

Wow! I had been thinking about writing something about McCain's VP choice, but you summed up all my feelings exactly! I think McCain is underestimating the intelligence of Hillary supporters if he thinks women will flock to him just because he has a female running mate.

Anonymous said...

As you know, I have more than my share of political opinions, but I will pop in only give a resounding AGREED!

--Leif

Political Muse said...

Great Job, Cousin.

Carm said...

Yes. You spoke my thoughts exactly. This ought to be interesting... A lady at work said, "do you suppose McCain is trying to 'throw' the election?" Too funny. Or, not funny at all. I guess we'll see.

Anonymous said...

I couldn't agree more.

Unknown said...

My thoughts, exactly, Sara. The thought of McCain/Palin is terrifying to me.